Bedoon Rightshttp://www.bedoonrights.org
Defending the rights of the stateless in KuwaitThu, 27 Mar 2014 19:08:17 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1Statement from the families of Hunger-striking Bedoon detaineeshttp://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/03/27/statement-from-the-families-of-bedoon-detainees/
http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/03/27/statement-from-the-families-of-bedoon-detainees/#commentsThu, 27 Mar 2014 19:05:58 +0000http://www.bedoonrights.org/?p=1327Based on the legal and the human rights any accused person must have a fair trial with all the guarantees that save and preserve his/her human gains and rights. This is approved by The Kuwaiti constitution and agreed with all the international treaties and conventions which are ratified by the State of Kuwait. As a [&hellip]]>

Based on the legal and the human rights any accused person must have a fair trial with all the guarantees that save and preserve his/her human gains and rights. This is approved by The Kuwaiti constitution and agreed with all the international treaties and conventions which are ratified by the State of Kuwait.

As a result of the abuse and the deliberate use of legal implements in non-purpose against our sons “Hakeem AL Fadhli, Abdelnasser AL Fadhli and Abdullah Atallah”, we declare our full solidarity with our prisoners in their Hunger-Strike that has begun last Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Moreover, we support them in each procedure they are doing in response to the abuse they have been facing from The Ministry of Interior because of the rigged accusations and The Renewal Judge who has been renewing their incarceration week after another although there is no reason of the protective custody.

We hold the government in Kuwait for the responsibility for the health of our prisoners. In addition, we call all the civil society organizations and all the human organizations to an international quick move to preserve the lives of our prisoners, hoping that authority response to the organizations and the prisoners’ demands to release their sons without delays.

]]>http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/03/27/statement-from-the-families-of-bedoon-detainees/feed/0State Department Criticizes Kuwait for Discrimination against Bedoonhttp://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/03/01/state-department-criticizes-kuwait-for-discrimination-against-bedoon/
http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/03/01/state-department-criticizes-kuwait-for-discrimination-against-bedoon/#commentsSat, 01 Mar 2014 17:27:57 +0000http://www.bedoonrights.org/?p=1323[Excerpts from State Department’s annual report on the status of Human Rights in Kuwait. Read the full summary here] Kuwait is a constitutional, hereditary emirate ruled by the al-Sabah family. The July 27 parliamentary elections were generally free and fair, although some opposition groups boycotted. Authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. Security forces [&hellip]]>

[Excerpts from State Department’s annual report on the status of Human Rights in Kuwait. Read the full summary here]

Kuwait is a constitutional, hereditary emirate ruled by the al-Sabah family. The July 27 parliamentary elections were generally free and fair, although some opposition groups boycotted. Authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. Security forces occasionally committed human rights abuses. Principal human rights problems included limitations on citizens’ right to change their government; restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, especially among foreign workers and stateless Arabs (called “Bidoon”); trafficking in persons within the foreign worker population, especially in the domestic and unskilled service sectors; and limitations on workers’ rights.

Other human rights problems included reports of security force members abusing prisoners and protestors; arbitrary arrest and extrajudicial deportation of foreign workers; limitations on freedoms of press, association, and religion; and restrictions on freedom of movement for certain groups, including foreign workers and Bidoon. Women, Bidoon, and noncitizens faced social and legal discrimination. Domestic violence against women remained persistent. The government took steps to prosecute and punish officials who committed abuses, whether in the security services or elsewhere in the government. Impunity was sometimes a problem in corruption cases.a. Freedom of Speech and Press

The constitution provides for freedom of speech and press “in accordance with the conditions and in the circumstances defined by law.” The government sometimes did not respect these rights.

Freedom of Speech: The government restricted freedom of speech, particularly in instances purportedly related to national security. The law also specifically prohibits material insulting Islam, the emir, the constitution, or the neutrality of the courts or Public Prosecutor’s Office. The law mandates jail terms for anyone who “defames religion,” and any Muslim citizen or resident may file criminal charges against a person the complainant believes has defamed Islam. Any citizen may file charges against anyone the citizen believes has defamed the ruling family or harmed public morals.

In December the Constitutional Court upheld the constitutionality of the law that criminalizes slander of the emir.

After a political opposition leader’s April conviction for defaming the emir, the government interrogated at least 35 citizens, including journalists and former members of parliament (MPs), for repeating the politician’s 2012 speech criticizing the emir. Several of those individuals faced defamation charges themselves. On November 10 and 12, the criminal court began hearing the cases in two groupings. The accused admitted repeating the speech, but denied defaming the emir. In both instances the court adjourned the case until December, and lifted the travel bans imposed on the defendants from the first group.

On March 15, the Court of Appeals affirmed law professor Obeid al-Wasmi’s acquittal of charges of infringing in 2010 upon the emir’s authority.

Press Freedoms: All print media were privately owned, although their independence was limited. They exhibited diversity of opinion but self-censored to avoid criminal charges or fines, or to keep their licenses. Restrictions on freedom of speech also applied to the press. Discussions of specific social topics, such as the role of women in society and sexual problems, sometimes were self-censored. The law allows for large fines and up to 10 years in prison for persons who use any means (including media) to subvert the emiri system of government. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry may ban any media organization at the request of the Ministry of Information. Newspaper publishers must obtain an operating license from the Ministry of Information.

Broadcast media are a mix of government and privately owned stations, subject to the same laws as print media.

In January the government closed Scope TV for two months and charged four of the station’s staff for a program considered insulting to the Mutairi tribe. The court levied fines of KD 1,000 ($3,510) on each of the four defendants.

Before the annual international book fair held from Nov 21-30, the Ministry of Information added additional books to the thousands of titles already banned.

Violence and Harassment: The government sometimes harassed and prosecuted journalists for their reporting.

In March the Ministry of Information warned media outlets not to publish or broadcast news or information about the emir without prior written approval from the emir’s office. On May 19, the editors in chief of the Al-Jarida and Al-Seyassah newspapers were fined 5,000 ($17,550) and KD 10,000 ($35,100) respectively for publishing details of a meeting between the emir and some former parliamentarians, without prior approval.

Censorship or Content Restrictions: The Ministry of Information censored all books, commercial films, periodicals, videotapes, CDs, DVDs, and other imported materials deemed illegal per the guidelines enumerated for speech and press. Authorities censored most English-language educational materials that dealt with the Holocaust or referred to Israel to remove such references, although these topics were not censored in the news media. Widely available satellite dishes allowed unfiltered media access.

In October 2012 the Ministry of Information reportedly seized transmission devices owned by Mubasher Television and closed the station’s headquarters. The station reportedly operated without the proper authorization; it remained closed during the year.

Libel Laws/National Security: Throughout the year the government restricted media freedom based on libel laws or national security grounds.

The law forbids publication or transmission of any information deemed subversive to the constitutional system on national security grounds. Although the government continued to enforce a 2010 ban on publishing details of an investigation into an alleged Iranian spy network, media outlets continued to report on the final court judgments issued during the year for some defendants.

On March 20, the Court of Appeals extended the sentence of Badr al-Rasheedi from two years in prison to the maximum term of five years. A lower court had convicted al-Rasheedi in November 2012 of using his Twitter account to call for the overthrow of the regime; spreading false news abroad; undermining the emir’s status and powers; defaming the emir; and other charges. The prosecution appealed the lower court’s verdict, which it deemed too lenient. On July 30, the emir pardoned al-Rasheedi and nine others; authorities released him from prison on Aug 6.

Internet Freedom

The government monitored Internet communications, such as blogs and discussion groups, for defamation and security reasons. The Ministry of Communications continued to block websites considered to “incite terrorism and instability” and required internet service providers to block websites that “violate (the country’s) customs and traditions,” in addition to political sites that the government found offensive. The government prosecuted and punished individuals for the expression of political or religious views via the internet, including by e-mail and social media, based on existing laws related to libel and national security. There were reports the government attempted to collect personally identifiable information in connection with individuals’ peaceful expressions of political, religious, or ideological opinion or beliefs. Authorities required internet cafe owners to obtain the names and civil identification numbers of customers and to submit the information to the Ministry of Communications upon request.

Open Net Initiative, an internet freedom watchdog organization, ranked the country among the world’s most internet-controlling countries, citing pervasive repression of internet freedoms by the government. Although the organization noted that local media are among the most outspoken regionally, it criticized the government’s filtering of the internet to block pornography primarily, as well as gay and lesbian material, some secular sites, sites critical of Islam, and others carrying content on religious faiths other than Islam.

The government arrested at least a dozen persons for Twitter posts it deemed to be defaming to the emir. In adjudicating cases during the year, as well as similar pending cases from 2012, the courts imposed prison sentences ranging from a few months to 11 years; over 50 cases were pending as of December. Other defendants and convicts included opposition figures and former MPs.

On July 30, the Amir pardoned 10 individuals convicted of defaming him, including Saqer Al-Hashash, Sara Al-Darees, and Rashid Al-Enezi. Of those pardoned authorities released all but three (who had other court cases pending against them) on Aug 6.

Academic Freedom and Cultural Events

The law provides for freedom of opinion and research, but self-censorship limited academic freedom, and the law prohibits academics from criticizing the emir or Islam.

The Ministry of Interior reserved the right to approve or reject annual public events, and it rejected those it considered politically or morally inappropriate.

On June 5, officials from the Ministry of Information forced the closure of a book store for selling John Milton’s Paradise Lost, a banned book. The government imposed a travel ban on the owner pending trial.

Throughout the year the Ministry of Information banned more than a dozen books and at least 46 films.

b. Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association

Freedom of Assembly

The constitution provides for freedom of assembly, but the government restricted this right. Noncitizens are prohibited by law from demonstrating or protesting.

Political oppositionists organized several protests and rallies throughout the year. Security officials allowed many peaceful protests to proceed without permits, but intervened to disperse some demonstrations that were unauthorized. Citing public safety and traffic concerns, officials sometimes also restricted the location of planned protests to designated public spaces. Courts tried and sentenced dozens of participants in unlicensed demonstrations to as much as one year in prison for their involvement. The government also deported several noncitizens who participated in demonstrations. In August the government deported nine Egyptians for participating in rallies in front of the Egyptian Embassy.

On Jan 7, police used nonlethal means, including tear gas, percussion grenades, rubber bullets, and smoke bombs to end a peaceful but unlicensed political opposition march to protest the previous December’s parliamentary elections. Police arrested as many as 60 protesters, including several former MPs. Video footage showed police beating one protester, Salem al-Rujaib. The government did not charge or discipline the officers involved.

In some cases security forces claimed they required force because protesters were violent and set fire to cars while rioting. Human rights groups widely criticized security forces for using excessive force to disperse protestors.

On March 25, authorities released Abdulhakeem Al-Fadhli, a prominent Bidoon organizer who was convicted in absentia in 2012 for allegedly assaulting a police officer and sentenced to two years in prison. Al-Fadhli, who was held for 103 days, carried out a lengthy hunger strike to protest his treatment while incarcerated.

Freedom of Association

The constitution provides for freedom of association, but the government restricted this right. The law prohibits officially licensed groups from engaging in political activities.

The government uses its power to license associations as a means of political control. There were approximately 100 officially licensed NGOs in the country, including a bar association, other professional groups, and scientific bodies. Dozens of unlicensed civic groups, clubs, and unofficial NGOs had no legal status. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor rejected some license requests, contending established NGOs already provided services similar to those the petitioners proposed. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor can also reject an NGO’s application if it deems the NGO does not provide a public service. Members of licensed NGOs must obtain permission from the ministry to attend international conferences as official representatives of their organization.

In May the government attempted to prevent an unlicensed Bidoon rights organization, Group 29, from holding a conference on statelessness. A licensed organization, the Kuwait Graduates Society, assumed responsibility for the conference; the Ministry of Interior later formally admonished the society for its actions.

c. Freedom of Religion

See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report at www.state.gov/j/drl/irf/rpt/.

The constitution generally provides for freedom of movement within the country, but numerous laws constrain foreign travel, and the government placed some limits on freedom of in-country movement. The government was generally uncooperative with most efforts by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organizations to protect and assist refugees, returning refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and other persons of concern.

Foreign Travel: Women and Bidoon (stateless persons and foreign workers) faced problems with or restrictions on foreign travel. A husband may still request that immigration authorities prevent his wife’s departure from the country for up to 24 hours, after which he may obtain a court-ordered travel ban. The government restricted the ability of some Bidoon to travel abroad by not issuing travel documents, although it permitted some Bidoon to travel to Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj and continued to issue “Article 17” passports (temporary travel documents that do not confer nationality) for Bidoon.

The law also permits travel bans on citizens and nonnationals accused or suspected of violating the law, including nonpayment of debts, and it allows other citizens to petition authorities to impose one. This provision resulted in delays and difficulties for citizens and foreigners leaving the country.

Citizenship: The government cannot revoke the citizenship of an individual who is born a citizen, unless that individual has obtained a second nationality, which is against the law. Nevertheless, the government can revoke the citizenship of naturalized citizens for cause, including a felony conviction, and subsequently deport them. During the year the government revoked the citizenship of some dual nationals and their children and attempted to compel others to give up their second nationality. A 1982 amendment to the Nationality Law prohibits the granting of citizenship to non-Muslims, but allows Christian male citizens to transmit citizenship to their descendents.

Protection of Refugees

Access to Asylum: The law does not provide for granting asylum or refugee status. There is no system for providing protection to refugees, and the government did not grant refugee status or asylum during the year. According to the UNHCR, during the year there were more than 2,100 registered asylum seekers and recognized refugees were in the country. Most of these were from Syria, Iraq, Somalia, and Iran.

Refoulement: Immigration regulations prohibit local integration for asylum seekers. Nevertheless, the government provided protection against the expulsion or return of refugees to countries where their lives or freedom would be threatened on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The constitution prohibits the extradition of political refugees, and the government did not extradite any political refugees during the year.

Stateless Persons

According to the law, children derive citizenship solely from the father; children born to citizen mothers and nonnational fathers do not inherit citizenship. The law further fails to provide nonnationals, including Bidoon, a clear or defined opportunity to gain nationality. Female citizens may sponsor their nonnational children (regardless of age) and husbands for residency permits and may petition for naturalization for their children if the mother becomes divorced or widowed from a noncitizen husband.

On March 11, security forces used nonlethal means, including rubber bullets and tear gas, to disperse an unlicensed but peaceful gathering of Bidoon demonstrators protesting the government’s decision not to extend them greater rights. HRW criticized the government for denying the stateless population the rights of peaceful expression and assembly.

According to the minister of interior, approximately 3,200 Kuwaiti women were married to Bidoon men. A report by the Women’s Refugee Commission estimated that 30,000 Bidoon were spouses or children of female Kuwaiti nationals.

The judicial system does not have the authority to rule on matters of citizenship, leaving Bidoon with no access to the judiciary to present evidence and plead their case for citizenship. Although the exact number of Bidoon residents was unknown, in November the minister of interior reported to the National Assembly that there were more than 111,000 Bidoon in the country. The UNHCR estimated that the total Bidoon population was between 93,000 and 120,000, while NGOs such as Refugees International estimated the total to be as high as 140,000.

The government continued to discriminate against Bidoon in some areas. Some Bidoon and international NGOs reported that the government did not uniformly implement a 2011 decree approving provision of some government services and subsidies, including education, employment, medical care, and the issuance of civil documents, such as birth and death certificates, to Bidoon. They claimed many Bidoon families were still unable to obtain birth certificates for their children, which restricted the children’s ability to obtain government-issued identification cards, access adequate medical care, and attend school. Many adult Bidoon also lacked identification cards, preventing them from engaging in lawful employment or obtaining travel documents. This restriction resulted in many Bidoon children working as street vendors to help support their families. Lack of financial resources and proper documentation for some of their children forced some Bidoon parents to choose which of their children to enroll in school. Of those Bidoon children who attended school, many were enrolled in substandard private schools because only citizens may attend public school. Many Bidoon families depended on charity to assist with medical and educational expenses.

The government allowed Bidoon to work in some government positions, and some Bidoon worked in the armed forces or police. Although no legal strictures prevent their service in the enlisted ranks, authorities have effectively barred the Bidoon from enlisting in either force since 1985. In November, however, pursuant to an emiri instruction, the Defense Ministry began accepting applications to join the army from children of Bidoon veterans who were killed in combat.

Although the government began the process of granting citizenship to approximately 500 Bidoon during the year, unspecified administrative complications delayed that process. The executive Bidoon authority had more than 100,000 Bidoon citizenship requests under review at year’s end. Many Bidoon were unable to provide documentation proving sufficient ties to the country or to present evidence of their original nationality. The government maintained, however, that the vast majority of Bidoon concealed their true nationalities and were not actually stateless.

The government instituted other policies that discriminate against the Bidoon, including requesting that the Central Bank of Kuwait freeze bank accounts of Bidoon with expired identification cards. Since the government treats them as foreigners, Bidoon do not have property rights. Bidoon identification cards included color codes that indicated when the carrier has a security restriction. The Women’s Refugee Commission reported that statelessness and discrimination against women in the nationality law threatened family unity.

]]>http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/03/01/state-department-criticizes-kuwait-for-discrimination-against-bedoon/feed/010 Days of Protests, 9 Activists in Jailhttp://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/03/01/10-days-of-protests-9-activists-in-jail/
http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/03/01/10-days-of-protests-9-activists-in-jail/#commentsSat, 01 Mar 2014 17:12:58 +0000http://www.bedoonrights.org/?p=1320[Activist Abdulhakim Al-Fadhli in a previous protest – BR archive] Since February 19th, Bedoon protesters have continued their protests around the Taimaa area despite the continuous presence of riot police forces that have arbitrarily arrested protesters and dispersed the marching crowds with tear gas, smoke bombs, water canons, and physical violence. After threatening bedoon families [&hellip]]>

[Activist Abdulhakim Al-Fadhli in a previous protest – BR archive]

Since February 19th, Bedoon protesters have continued their protests around the Taimaa area despite the continuous presence of riot police forces that have arbitrarily arrested protesters and dispersed the marching crowds with tear gas, smoke bombs, water canons, and physical violence. After threatening bedoon families with deportations and work expulsions, to intimidate protesting youth, the interior ministry and the State Security police went with more arrests targeting the community’s main activists and organizers to weaken the movement. Among the detainees is activist Abdullah Atallah who faces charges for “insulting the Amir”, punished with at least 5 years in jail. Abdulhakim and Abdulnasser alFadhli were also arrested after being chased by state police cars that hit their car and kept their place of arrest a secret from their family and public. Here is a list of all detainees that continue to be detained without specific charges or an option of release by bail:

1- Abdullah Atallah Al-Enizi

2- Abdulhakim AlFadhli

3- Abdulnasser AlFadhli

4- Saad Hmood

5- Mohammed Jaber

6- Mishaal al-Shammari

7- Ahmad Saad

8- Hussain Jabr

9- Yousif Mattar

]]>http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/03/01/10-days-of-protests-9-activists-in-jail/feed/0Interior Ministry Threatens to Target Protesters’ Familieshttp://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/02/23/interior-ministry-threatens-to-target-protesters-families/
http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/02/23/interior-ministry-threatens-to-target-protesters-families/#commentsSun, 23 Feb 2014 21:46:29 +0000http://www.bedoonrights.org/?p=1316Since the beginning of Bedoon protests in February 2011, Kuwait’s local press has been playing a major role in creating propaganda against Bedoon activists and protests. As the community protests for the 6th day demanding a solution to their cause and the release of activist Abdallah Atallah who is facing charges for “insulting the Amir, [&hellip]]>

Since the beginning of Bedoon protests in February 2011, Kuwait’s local press has been playing a major role in creating propaganda against Bedoon activists and protests. As the community protests for the 6th day demanding a solution to their cause and the release of activist Abdallah Atallah who is facing charges for “insulting the Amir, vandalizing police cars, and taking part in an illegal protest”, Kuwaiti newspaper al-Watan has been publishing daily reports that fabricate facts on the ground. Besides accusing protesters of attacking policemen and neglecting the violence committed against protesters, the newspaper said “an official in the interior ministry warns families of Bedoon protesters of what their children are doing. Fathers of those protesting can lose their jobs or be deported from the country.”

Such narratives want to imply that Bedoon are “deportable” as racist nationalist claims continue to repeat. It also wants to scare off the very small number of Bedoon men still working for the police and army by targeting their source of living. The state security police in Kuwait has been manipulating the security and life of bedoon activists by summoning their parents or siblings to interrogation as an attempt of intimidation.

One day after publishing that report, Al-Watan published another report today stating “the deportation punishment has calmed Taimaa and Sulaibiya protests,” contrary to reality as bedoon activists repeatedly emphasize that their protests are open until their demands are met. Besides these threats, the ministry of interior affairs uses the press to demonize bedoon protesters by depicting them as vandalizers. Riot police has been shutting down street lights, using smoke bombs and tear gas, making arrests, chasing protesters and running them over with cars.

Here’s a video of the 6th day of protests:

Here’s a video for the gun shots made by policemen near Taimaa’s police station when protesting crowds were marching by

]]>http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/02/23/interior-ministry-threatens-to-target-protesters-families/feed/0Gulf Center for Human Rights Condemns Violence and Arrests against Bedoonhttp://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/02/23/gulf-center-for-human-rights-condemns-violence-and-arrests-against-bedoon/
http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/02/23/gulf-center-for-human-rights-condemns-violence-and-arrests-against-bedoon/#commentsSun, 23 Feb 2014 21:23:51 +0000http://www.bedoonrights.org/?p=1314Human rights activists involved in defending and monitoring the rights of the Bedoon community in Kuwait continue to be targeted by the authorities. Over the past few days, three human rights activists have been summoned for investigation against the backdrop of continued protests. There are approximately 180,000 people in the Bedoon Community in Kuwait who [&hellip]]>

Human rights activists involved in defending and monitoring the rights of the Bedoon community in Kuwait continue to be targeted by the authorities. Over the past few days, three human rights activists have been summoned for investigation against the backdrop of continued protests. There are approximately 180,000 people in the Bedoon Community in Kuwait who are denied citizenship under strict nationality laws in Kuwait. They have been protesting for three years demanding their basic human rights however, they continue to be subjected to marginalisation and oppression.

The Office of Public Prosecution summoned human rights defender Abdulhakim Al-Fadhli to appear before the state security authorities for questioning. He was previously arrested in December 2012 for his work in defence of the rights of the Bedoon in Kuwait. The GCHR issued two previous appeals on his arrest and subsequent hunger strike. (For further information please see GCHR appeals dated 15 December 2012 and 24 January 2013). It is believed that this latest incident is similarly related to his human rights activities.

The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) has received information that the Public Prosecution Office also summoned human rights defenders Nawaf Al-Hendal and Hadeel Buqrais to appear before the state security authorities for investigation. Both activists were involved in monitoring and documenting human rights violations in Kuwait including during Bedoon demonstrations, which are often targeted by state security forces. They have not attended any invistigation as yet and no known charges have been brought against any of the three activists.

The summoning of the human rights defenders comes in the context of continued demonstration by members of the Bedoon community in Taimaa area calling for the release of Bedoon activist Abdullah Atallah who was arrested on 19 February 2014. That day and as part of the third anniversary of Bedoon protests in Kuwait which first started on 18 February 2011, Abdullah Atallah had given a speech at a Bedoon demonstration. During the speech he criticised the current and former Ministers of the Interior. He emphasised the feeling of discrimination experience by the Bedoon community.

Later that night he was pursued by state security police in five cars. They crashed into his vehicle before arresting him. He is reportedly facing charges of “insulting the Amir”, “vandalizing police cars” and “taking part in an illegal protest.”

The GCHR believes that these latest incidents and the summoning of Abdulhakim Al-Fadhli, Nawaf Al-Hendal and Hadeel Buqrais form part of a continued and relentless campaign of discrimination against the Bedoon community and their supporters. Those working peacefully and legitimately on behalf of the Bedoon to promote and protect their human rights are being subjected to on-going fear and harassment.

The GCHR urges the authorities in Kuwait to:

Ensure the physical and psychological safety and integrity of Abdulhakim Al-Fadhli, Nawaf Al-Hendal and Hadeel Buqrais as they carry out their peaceful and legitimate human rights work;

Immediately and unconditionally grant the right of citizenship to all Bedoon in Kuwait;

Ensure that the human rights, including the right to citizenship, of the Bedoon are promoted and protected;

Guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in Kuwait are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment.

The GCHR respectfully reminds you that the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998, recognises the legitimacy of the activities of human rights defenders, their right to freedom of association and to carry out their activities without fear of reprisals. We would particularly draw your attention Article 6 (c): “Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others: (c) To study, discuss, form and hold opinions on the observance, both in law and in practice, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and, through these and other appropriate means, to draw public attention to those matters“, and to Article 12 (2): “The State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present declaration.”

]]>http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/02/23/gulf-center-for-human-rights-condemns-violence-and-arrests-against-bedoon/feed/0Bedoon Activists Kidnapped After His Speechhttp://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/02/20/bedoon-activists-kidnapped-after-his-speech/
http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/02/20/bedoon-activists-kidnapped-after-his-speech/#commentsThu, 20 Feb 2014 17:34:09 +0000http://www.bedoonrights.org/?p=1311[Abdullah Atallah – archive] On February 19th, Bedoon activists called for protests in Taimaa demanding the release of Abdullah Atallah, the Bedoon activist who was kidnapped by state security police for giving a speech critical of officials. The protest which was attended by human rights monitors and supportive Kuwaitis, was faced with the same methods [&hellip]]>

[Abdullah Atallah – archive]

On February 19th, Bedoon activists called for protests in Taimaa demanding the release of Abdullah Atallah, the Bedoon activist who was kidnapped by state security police for giving a speech critical of officials. The protest which was attended by human rights monitors and supportive Kuwaitis, was faced with the same methods of oppression by the riot police, chasing protesters and arresting three minor boys (between 14-16 year old) who were later released. A Kuwaiti activist named Khalifa al-Hashash was beaten and arrested by the police but later released. He demanded to see a doctor who would provide him with a medical report for his injuries but the policemen refused to do so.

In the third anniversary of Bedoon protests that first started on February 18th of 2011, activist Abdullah Atallah spoke for few minutes in the protest calling the minister of interior affairs and all past ministers of interior affairs “criminals.” He stated that growing up stateless among a family that had Kuwaiti uncles and cousins, he deeply felt the discrimination. The activist then directed his message to the Amir “We thought before that you did not know of our plight, but now there is a media exposure, so I want to tell you that you are to blame for this.” Here’s a video of the speech:

The same night, Atallah was chased by state security police in 5 cars. His car was severely hit by them, according to the testimony of Kuwaiti parliament member Mohammed Tanaa who saw the kidnapping incident in front of his house. According to lawyer Mohammed al-Hmaidi, head of the Kuwaiti Human Rights Association, Atallah is facing charges for “insulting the Amiri self” and vandalizing police cars and taking part of an illegal protest.

Simultaneously, another Bedoon activist, Yousif al-Zhairy, was chased by state security cars without any details on his arrest place or his charges. Kuwaiti Human rights monitor, Nawaf al-Hindal said police cars used gun shots against al-Zhairy while chasing him.

Following the february 19th protest for Atallah, activist Abdulhakim was taken to Taimaa’s police station to be informed that he will be facing charges for “calling for protests, threatening national security, and threatening police men.” Al-Fadhli has earlier addressed the minister of interior affairs demanding a statement clarifying the status and place of Atallah and al-Zhairy.

On their part, political groups in Kuwait have denounced the arrests and oppression practiced against Bedoon protesters. The “Kuwaiti Progressive Movement” (Taqadomi) issued a statement “we call on all international organizations to make a stand against the violence practiced against Bedoon protesters. The ministry of interior affairs have faced protesters with arrests, sound bombs and tear gas, and violence. They have turned off street lighting in an attempt to disperse the protest.” The statement added “We condemn the illegal ways in which activists Abdullah Atallah and Yousif al-Zhairy have been arrested. The ministry should provide information about their place of arrest and charges.”

On the other hand, the Islamist Constitutional Movement (Hadas) issued a statement condemning violence against Bedoon protesters. The statement reads “the Bedoon issue needs to be completely solved. It was created by the government and therefore should be solved by them. The Bedoon have suffered 50 years of oppression and injustice.”

Head of Kuwaiti opposition, Musallam al-Barrak, has also objected to the violence and arrests. He said the charges against Atallah had no foundations. The ministry’s approach to the issue, he added, continues to drive Kuwait into a state-police. “They acted like gangs. They chased him and arrested him and then accused him of vandalizing their cars” he said.

Bedoon protests continued tonight, the 20th of February, demanding the release of both activists. Activists plan to protest every night until their demands are met.

]]>http://www.bedoonrights.org/2014/02/20/bedoon-activists-kidnapped-after-his-speech/feed/0ANHRI Denounces Violence Against Bedoon Protestershttp://www.bedoonrights.org/2013/10/07/anhri-denounces-violence-against-bedoon-protesters/
http://www.bedoonrights.org/2013/10/07/anhri-denounces-violence-against-bedoon-protesters/#commentsMon, 07 Oct 2013 21:23:58 +0000http://www.bedoonrights.org/?p=1307The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, ANHRI, denounces the use of excessive force by the Kuwaiti security forces so as to disperse the demonstrations of the stateless people in Tiama, As Sulaybiyah, and Al Jahra during The International Day of Non-Violence. The Kuwaiti security forces on Wednesday 2 October used tear gas bombs and [&hellip]]>

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, ANHRI, denounces the use of excessive force by the Kuwaiti security forces so as to disperse the demonstrations of the stateless people in Tiama, As Sulaybiyah, and Al Jahra during The International Day of Non-Violence.

The Kuwaiti security forces on Wednesday 2 October used tear gas bombs and stun grenades to disperse a peaceful demonstration organized by a number of stateless in the areas of Taima, As Sulaybiyah, and Al Jahra; calling for their right to get the Kuwaiti nationalities and to improve their social and economic circumstances.

The Kuwaiti forces committed many violations and trespasses during the dispersal of these peaceful demonstration as they used tear gas bombs randomly in these areas besides pursuing the protesters in the streets to attack them. In addition, there were random arrests of many citizens in those areas.

The stateless people (bedoon) are citizens with no citizenship rights. They do not enjoy the same rights entitled to any other Kuwaiti, such as their right to public services for example.

There is no accurate estimation for their population, but it is said that their population range from 93.000 to 180.000. Kuwait’s government has promised to grant a big number of them the Kuwaiti nationality, but such promises were betrayed.

ANHRI said that “the excessive use of force by the Kuwaiti security forces in addressing the demonstrations of the stateless people in addition to arresting a number of them, is a new episode of the violations are being committed by the Kuwaiti authorities against those stateless people. The Kuwaiti authorities during the last two years repressed several demonstrations and arrested many of them along with prosecuting them over the accusation of illegal protest”

ANHRI elaborated that the Kuwaiti authorities still believe that the security solutions as the best ones to resolve the problem of the stateless people; although these solutions failed during the last period.

Despite the fact that the Kuwaiti parliament supports many bills submitted by the government to resolve this problem and not granting the nationality for some stateless people, but these bills take much time.

ANHRI demanded form the Kuwaiti authorities to necessarily use the peaceful solutions to deal with the problem of the stateless people and to urgently release the stateless detainees plus stopping to prosecute them.

]]>http://www.bedoonrights.org/2013/10/07/anhri-denounces-violence-against-bedoon-protesters/feed/03000 Bedoon Protest for Citizenship Rightshttp://www.bedoonrights.org/2013/10/07/3000-bedoon-protest-for-citizenship-rights/
http://www.bedoonrights.org/2013/10/07/3000-bedoon-protest-for-citizenship-rights/#commentsMon, 07 Oct 2013 21:21:21 +0000http://www.bedoonrights.org/?p=1300To mark the international day of non-violence, more than 3,000 protesters from the stateless community of Kuwait (Bedoon) marched to demand their rights to citizenship. The protest, which was covered by local civil groups and bedoon activists, took place in Taimaa area on October 2. Inspired by the ousting of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, Kuwait’s [&hellip]]>

To mark the international day of non-violence, more than 3,000 protesters from the stateless community of Kuwait (Bedoon) marched to demand their rights to citizenship. The protest, which was covered by local civil groups and bedoon activists, took place in Taimaa area on October 2.

Inspired by the ousting of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, Kuwait’s stateless community has been protesting since February 2011. Since then, activists from the community have been establishing different grassroots movements that focus on issues of citizenship, education, and poverty.

Bedoon means without in Arabic and explains the community’s situation in a nutshell. Members of the community, estimated at 120,000, are denied access to healthcare, education, employment, and any sort of documentation.

Social media has revolutionized the means of communication and political dialogue among activists from the community but more importantly has contributed positively to the cause, gaining sympathizers from inside and outside Kuwait. As in other censored spaces, Twitter helps the Bedoon document violations committed against them – which are not covered by mainstream media. In fact, this protest was led and organized by an anonymous account called “A Nation’s Cry” that was created last month to mobilize for the 2nd of October protest using the hashtag #اعتصام_2_أكتوبر, which translates to the October 2 Protest [ar].

Q8voice1: This account is moderated by a group of Kuwaiti-Bedoon youth who believe in standing for dignity and who want to continue fighting until justice is gained.

Local Solidarity
Although Kuwaiti political groups have been reluctant in supporting the Bedoon cause, the political tension between opposition groups and authorities has been fruitful for the Bedoon. The political struggle helped kuwaiti political groups realize the importance of supporting the Bedoon in their demands. A few days before the protest, 21 political groups in Kuwait signed a statement that declares support to the October 2nd protest. The statement included three main demands: the Bedoon’s right to peaceful protest, the necessity to find a final solution to their issue, and the importance of involving Kuwait’s civil society in mapping out a solution for the community’s longstanding issues.

In this regard, professor of political science at Kuwait University Mohammad Alwuhaib tweeted one day before the protest [ar]:

@m_alwuhaib: I really wish to see more Kuwaiti citizens in Taimaa tomorrow than Bedoon protesters: citizens should maintain their sense of humanity.

Although only a small number of Kuwaitis showed up to the protest, one of them, who is a Kuwaiti political activist and poet, has led the march with his chants:

Tweeting the protest
Although the number of protesters was relatively big, the protest did not last more than a few hours, considering the attacks made against protesters by the riot police. Bedoon activist Falah althuwaini tweeted from the protest:

“@althuwaini: #stateless #bedoon groups are gathering in one large group near Najashi street in Taima in #Kuwait”

@althuwaini: Helicopter and riot forces in large number in Taima, so far they didn’t storm the #Statelessness protesters.

Other accounts on Twitter were also posting updates from the protest, including this one who published a controversial picture which was widely circulated afterwards:

“@s_alshmmari: the police department’s cameramen set fire to the garbage and videotape it to blame the bedoon for this act.”

Others documented the police crackdown on the protest:

“@Nashmiq8: Smoke bombs used against protesters.”

Because Bedoon women have been attacked by riot police in previous protests, many of them restrained from protesting. This picture shows balloons flying during the protests made by Bedoon women who want to show their support and presence – but could not attend the protest:

]]>http://www.bedoonrights.org/2013/10/07/3000-bedoon-protest-for-citizenship-rights/feed/0Ministry of Defense Rejects Proposal that Benefits Bedoon Soldiershttp://www.bedoonrights.org/2013/10/07/ministry-of-defense-rejects-proposal-that-benefits-bedoon-soldiers/
http://www.bedoonrights.org/2013/10/07/ministry-of-defense-rejects-proposal-that-benefits-bedoon-soldiers/#commentsMon, 07 Oct 2013 21:12:39 +0000http://www.bedoonrights.org/?p=1298Once again, Kuwait’s parliament fails to challenge any of the regulations set by ministries against their few remaining Bedoon employees. The parliamentary committee for defense and interior affairs has made a proposal to raise “the age of retirement” for Bedoon soldiers to be 60 instead of 55. Misleadingly, the soldiers are not made to retire, [&hellip]]>

Once again, Kuwait’s parliament fails to challenge any of the regulations set by ministries against their few remaining Bedoon employees. The parliamentary committee for defense and interior affairs has made a proposal to raise “the age of retirement” for Bedoon soldiers to be 60 instead of 55. Misleadingly, the soldiers are not made to retire, they are instead fired from their jobs with “an end of service” compensation. Many have been fired in the past few years using medical excuses while others were forced into buying foreign passports to remain in their jobs after threats from the ministry.

To the parliament’s proposal, the ministry replied “this proposal will be voted on in the parliament but will be opposed by the cabinet. We wanted to release Bedoon soldiers at the age of 50 but kept the maximum age to 55 not because of our need for them but in respect of their conditions.” The ministry added, referring to Bedoon as non-Kuwaitis, saying: “The ministry of defense wants to serve the Kuwaiti army and it is not of our interest to extend the age of retirement for non-Kuwaitis.”

]]>http://www.bedoonrights.org/2013/10/07/ministry-of-defense-rejects-proposal-that-benefits-bedoon-soldiers/feed/0Bedoon Denied Access to Evening Schoolshttp://www.bedoonrights.org/2013/10/07/bedoon-denied-access-to-evening-schools/
http://www.bedoonrights.org/2013/10/07/bedoon-denied-access-to-evening-schools/#commentsMon, 07 Oct 2013 20:59:49 +0000http://www.bedoonrights.org/?p=1293A group of Bedoon students were not allowed into their evening schools (Abdullatif al-Shamlan middle school and Al-Jahra high school) this October. The students were attending schools for two weeks and were suddenly informed that the ministry of education has made a decision to expel them. When visiting the ministry, the students were told that [&hellip]]>

A group of Bedoon students were not allowed into their evening schools (Abdullatif al-Shamlan middle school and Al-Jahra high school) this October. The students were attending schools for two weeks and were suddenly informed that the ministry of education has made a decision to expel them. When visiting the ministry, the students were told that they are required to present a Bedoon ID (issued by the Central Agency for Illegal Residents) or a birth certificate.

The ministry of education among other ministries continue to restrict Bedoon’s access to different services. The Bedoon are targeted with their education and this step shows the intentions of authorities as many Bedoon try to work during the day and study in the evening schools at the same time. Others have made the choice to enroll in evening schools because they are more affordable or because they are too old to be allowed in morning schools.